| Fr. Akan Simon |
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Two wonderful people-my father:Chief Simon Essien Etim and my mother Mma Theophila Simon Etim brought me into this world, into a family of six children-3 sisters and 2 brothers. I am the middle child, and the first son! A joy of my parents' life, they named me "Akaninyene", which means; more precious than gold. Through my life, I have always felt more precious than gold. In 1985, our beloved father died. His death remains the hardest things to accept. Anyone who knows our family, knows that I am my father's son.
Graduated from Queen of Apostles Seminary, Nigeria ( a High School Seminary) in 1983. From 1983 to 1985, I attended an equivalent of a Community College, taking courses to prepare me to study Law, one of my loves! But in 1986, I chose to begin formation for the Priesthood for my home Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria. I enrolled at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Nigeria, an affiliate of the Pontifical Urbania University, Rome, Italy, and graduated Magna Cum Lauda in 1990.
In the fall of 1991, providence of God led me to the Rockford Diocese, IL. In 1994, I attended Mount St. Mary's University and Seminary, Maryland, and graduated in 1998. Was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 16, 1998. My first assignment was at S. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Crystal Lake from June1998 to 2000. Then assigned to St. Bridget, Loves Park from 2000 to June 2001. Then assigned to St. Peter in Geneva from June 2001 to June 2004. Then assigned to St. Patrick in St. Charles from June 2004 to June 2009. Then assigned as of July 2009 to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
I thank God for choosing to call me to be His priest, in spite of my manifest unworthiness! I Thank the people of Rockford Diocese, each and everyone that our paths have crossed. It is because of their encouragement and the good they see in me, that keeps me a priest today, nothing else!! To God I give the Glory! Amen
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Father Akan Simon